President of Ingushetia: attempted murder

Suicide bomber attempted to kill  President of Ingushetia

President of the Republic of Ingushetia Murat Zyazikov has been assaulted early Tuesday morning. President's cortege was traveling on the Nazran-Magas freeway when a massive blast took place, reported president's press-secretary Issa Merzhoev.

The incident took place at about 9:45 am MSK when the cortege was about to leave Nazran; it was on its way to MAgas. According to preliminary information, head of the republic of Ingushetia was assaulted by a suicide bomber in a car loaded with explosives. A source in Ingushetia's law enforcement noted in its interview with “Interfax” that the terrorist had waited inside the car (“Zhiguli” model №7).

“The president was on his way to work when the explosion took place. An abandoned car VAZ-2107 has exploded the moment the cortege has passed by. The suicide bomber was hiding in that car,” stated a representative of the law enforcement of Ingushetia. He also mentioned that the car attempted to merge to the presidential cortege and then exploded.

The president was not injured as a result of the explosion. However, six of his bodyguards received splinter wounds and were hospitalized immediately. In addition, seven houses situated right by the freeway were also affected by the blast.

Currently, members of the Office of Public prosecutor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs as well as members of the FSB of the Republic of Ingushetia are investigating the crime scene. Chairman of Ingushetia's government Timur Moguskov also arrived to the scene.

Office of Public Prosecutor has filed a criminal case in accordance with the president's assassination. “Obviously, someone attempts to destabilize current situation in Ingushetia. Those forces do not approve of all the positive changes that take place within the Republic,” said Merzhoev.